KNOWLEDGE AND PREVALENCE OF SELF-MEDICATION AMONG UNDERGRADUATES OF NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY AND CHUKWUEMEKA ODUMEGWU OJUKWU UNIVERSITY IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study focuses on assessing the knowledge and prevalence of self-medication among undergraduates of Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University in Anambra State, Nigeria. It examines students’ knowledge of self-medication, major reasons for engaging in the practice, its prevalence, associated consequences, and possible intervention strategies, as outlined in the research objectives. Four theories were reviewed, namely: opportunist theory, self-medication theory, differential association theory, and health belief theory. However, the study adopted two theories as its theoretical framework: self-medication theory and opportunist theory. The study employed a mixed-method research design. The target population for Nnamdi Azikiwe University was 24,706 regular undergraduates, while that of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University was 10,875 undergraduates. A structured questionnaire was administered to 360 students selected from the two universities. Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 25, and presented in tables and charts. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis with NVivo software (version 2.0). The hypotheses were tested using Chi-square (χ²) inferential statistics. The study found that the knowledge and prevalence of self-medication are remarkably high among undergraduates of both universities. The study recommends that efforts should be intensified to discourage self-medication practices among university students in Nigeria through awareness campaigns and improved access to healthcare services.